As his Monday stories in the News Tribune have been doing since 2010, Jeremy Amick's "Jefferson City at War 1916-1975" preserves the stories of many Jefferson City veterans.
The 128-page paperback released this month by Arcadia Publishing is part of the Images of America series.
Local book signings will be from 10 a.m.-noon May 24 at Samuel's Tuxedos and Gifts and from 2-4 p.m. at the Missouri State Museum in the Capitol. A third signing will be held 2-4 p.m. June 28 at the Antiquarium.
More than 200 black and white images share stories from the Mexican Border War through the Vietnam War.
"Photographs will introduce the reader to the city's rich past and highlight the spirit of volunteerism and dedication demonstrated by those who have donned a uniform in service to city, state and nation," Amick said.
This is his first published book that is not poetry, though he has others he is working on, he said.
Once the publisher bit on the idea, it took Amick about a year to find the photos and track down the information related to them.
"Some I already had and others I approached the community for," Amick said.
Page 68 features a unique photo, whose story few may be aware of, he said. He tracked down a photo in Canada of the 1945-built SS Jefferson City Victory.
"We see lots of history books that focus on tangible structures and events," Amick said. "I wanted to focus on individual military veterans and their sacrifice of time and lives on our behalf."
Notable local veterans include Milo H. Walz, a World War II veteran turned successful entrepreneur, and the namesakes of both the American Legion Post 5 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars 1035.
"It was exciting to explore the names we see every day like Roscoe Enloe, Roy Sone and Wyman Basinger," Amick said.
Also highlighted are four World War II prisoners of war - Ralph Kalberloh, Cletus Kramer, Wilbur Rowden and Wayne Maloney.
"The book really serves as a testament to some of the veterans I have worked with over the years, but have since passed," Amick said.
Two in particular were Gilbert Pritzel and Perry Coy, he said. They both were highly decorated by the U.S. Army during World War II. Amick also nominated them for the French Legion of Honor Medal.
"I truly miss their company, but I know that their memory will live on in this book, and I am pleased that I have been given the opportunity to share their stories with others who will never have the opportunity to meet them in person," he said.
Amick tried to keep a balance in the book, including all branches, genders and wars within the time frame.
"I wanted a mix of our community," Amick said.
In the future, Amick would like to compile a similar book about Cole County.
Any profits will benefit the Silver Star Families of America, a Missouri-based organization that strives to remember, honor and assist the wounded and ill of the armed forces. Amick has been the public affairs officer for the organization since June 2010.